How to successfully integrate PIM systems
Companies relying on Excel, Access, and ERP for product data communication find their data falls short in the digitized market. Discover valantic’s PIM implementation for improved quality, availability, and sustainability of your product data.
Nowadays, product information must be delivered to web stores, catalogs, marketplaces and portals as well as to e-procurement systems within the shortest possible time, without errors and consistently. In this context, more and more companies are opting for product information management systems, or PIM systems for short.
In doing so, they are following the idea of a single, reliable data source (Single Source of Truth, SSoT). And the desire to design product data and communication structures in such a way that sales channels can be populated efficiently and ad-hoc. But what exactly will the introduction of a PIM solution in your company entail?
There is no standard procedure for implementing a PIM project. The result and the individual steps always depend on the framework conditions and the requirements of the respective client company. For instance, the initial situations for a PIM project range from replacing an existing but unsatisfactory PIM solution to integrating a PIM system for the first time.
Depending on how far along you are in your planning, we will support you selectively or take over the entire integration for you.
Roughly speaking, a PIM integration is divided into the following interrelated project phases:
Our collaboration with you begins with a scope workshop, which ensures that everyone involved is on the same page and has the same level of knowledge. This is important in order to approach integration with a uniform as well as realistic idea. Together we define the priorities and milestones of the project in this first project phase (“scope”). We also determine which (“out of scope”) topics will be addressed later on.
The contents of the scope are documented clearly and comprehensibly in Jira and Confluence and discussed in daily and weekly meetings. Our project management on a Water Scrum case basis allows us to achieve maximum agility in the individual project phases. For this, we use methods from Scrum (Stand-Up-Meeting, Backlog, Refinement, etc.).
Advantages of the Water Scrum case methodology: Phases or milestones and the budget are clearly defined. Nevertheless, agile work can happen in the individual project phases, since they are not bound to the “big picture”. Starting from the definition of the scope, we accompany you – if desired – all the way to the fully implemented and functional PIM system.
During the implementation process, the PIM system gets installed, and the program architecture is configured. Subsequently, the existing data structures are analyzed, broken up, transferred to new structures, and the data gets migrated. Necessary interfaces (e.g. to the ERP system) are built, and processes (for example, maintenance or data quality processes) are defined.
In the subsequent project phase, the filling of the target media with the new data takes place. The PIM system can now be used by employees in the so-called go-live. From this point on, they can actively devote themselves to data and channel maintenance as well as management. During the implementation phase, employees are introduced to the new software via coaching and training.
The last phase, further expansion, is characterized by further development and quality control. This is where learning and optimization come into play. The PIM system itself will not automatically ensure that data quality increases. It merely provides the necessary means to increase it. The collection and maintenance of data must be organized. And here, too, we are there for you if you want us to be.
Throughout the entire process – from installation and configuration of the PIM system to data maintenance and go-live – valantic is your point of contact and sparring partner. In addition to training and coaching, we also offer individual support packages to support you throughout the entire lifecycle of your PIM system.
Close collaboration
valantic supports you and your employees in the achievement of the defined milestones throughout the various project phases. To this end, we put together a project team of proven and certified experts for each project: senior consultants, technical consultants, media consultants, trainers, and project managers. They keep track of everything for you and offer you professional and financial security in all project phases. In addition, we provide you with a single point of contact for all PIM-related topics.
Are you looking for a quick solution, and a full project integration seems too far away at this point? We’d be happy to guide you on a selection of possible products and to further specify the details with you later (minimum viable product). We’ll tackle individual larger topics together with you in the form of smaller packages and prototypes. You tell us what you need, and we’ll find the optimal solution for your requirements.
In short: Together, we’ll make your company fit for a digital future that will also benefit your customers.
In PIM projects, the human factor is often underestimated. At valantic, we believe that successful projects are implemented between people. The best tool is of no use if the people on the project do not work on its success together. With our many years of expertise in the field of project integration, we handle projects with special care and sensitivity, even and especially if challenging situations arise.
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